Here is one of Puccini's greatest hits, in an affordable version for complete orchestra. This story of love, art and death in Rome during the Napoleonic wars is today considered a classic for such arias as "Vissi d'arte" (I lived for art; I lived for love), but at its premiere in 1900 it was denounced as "a shabby little shocker," for things like Baron Scarpia's lechery and Tosca's termination of him with extreme prejudice. Be aware that Dover's scores are reprints from other companies that are now out of copyright; that means that they're older versions, and lack such amenities as English translations.
In this book you will find:
- The complete opera on two CDs featuring Renata Scotto, Plácido Domingo, Renato Brunson, and James Levine conducting the Philharmonia Orchestra.
- The full libretto in its original language and in the English translation annotated with running commentary on the accompanying music.
- An exciting history of the opera and the composer, a synopsis of the story of the opera broken down by act and scene, and biographical information on the performers.
- Dozens of photographs and drawings depicting performances, singers, stage sets, and more.
Listen. Enjoy. Learn!